The nation’s top commando says in an Associated Press interview that even as the overall U.S. force in Iraq shrinks, the number of elite troops known as special operations forces is likely to grow.

Adm. Eric T. Olson said Monday that more of these specially trained, often secretive forces may be required in Iraq in order to fill a niche role in the development of Iraqi security forces as the number of conventional Army troops goes down. Olson is commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

It was Olson’s first interview since he took the helm at Special Operations last July.